Kapias Gardens in Goczałkowice-Zdrój

The Kapias Gardens in Goczałkowice-Zdrój are the show gardens of a family-run nursery where you can spend a whole day – without paying a single złoty for admission. More than 30 themed gardens and corners spread over about 4.5 ha: from Japanese and Scandinavian gardens to heathlands, a maze and a garden in the national colours. The idea is to inspire visitors to create gardens of their own.

History: from nursery to show gardens

The business dates back to 1979, when Bronisław and Elżbieta Kapias founded the Kapias Nursery, growing ornamental trees and shrubs. Their passion for plants grew into the idea of the Kapias Show Gardens. They were designed by Bronisław Kapias and his daughter Katarzyna Kapias, and the next generation is now involved in the business. In 2008 work began on the New Gardens, covering 4 ha next to the Old Gardens at ul. Zimowa 24, with the restaurant and garden centre adjoining them.

What to see

The gardens' website lists more than 30 themed spaces. Look out for:

• gardens in different styles – Japanese, Scandinavian, English Corner, Romantic, Rustic, Italian Patio and Mediterranean Alley,
• seasonal gardens – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter,
• the Garden of the Senses, Garden of Silence and Insect Garden,
• the Secret Garden, Shady Hill and Leafy Hill,
• a maze, fountains, a pond with a gazebo and viewing terraces,
• two heathlands, a rock garden, a clematis wall, a lime avenue and a vegetable garden,
• the Garden in National Colours and the Sunset Garden.

There are also play areas for children, plenty of benches and gazebos, and shady corners for hot days. A café and the Kapias Restaurant make it easy to take a break.

Curiosities

The gardens have a double role: they are a visitor attraction and a living catalogue for the nursery. Plants you admire in the borders can be bought in the garden centre next door. The look changes with the seasons – the owners create themed spring, September and Christmas decorations, and a Christmas fair is held in winter.

Tripto tips

Admission is free. The gardens are open daily, in autumn from 10:00 to 19:00; hours change with the seasons, so check the calendar on the website. Paths are accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs, and there are three toilet blocks. By train, get off at Goczałkowice station (not Goczałkowice-Zdrój), from where it is about a 10-minute walk west along ul. Główna. By car, avoid the centre of Pszczyna, which is often congested. Allow at least 2 hours.